National focus on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders welcomed

Leading researchers into the effects of alcohol in pregnancy
have thrown their support behind the recommendations of a national
Inquiry into Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).

The Alcohol and Pregnancy research group at Perth's Telethon
Institute for Child Health Research, a key driver in research into
FASD, has welcomed today's report of the Inquiry conducted by The
House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and
Legal Affairs.

Professor Carol Bower says the recommendations are a significant
step in ensuring the best start in life for our children by better
educating the whole community that no alcohol during pregnancy is
the safest choice.

Of particular interest to the Telethon Institute are the
recommendations that focus on the rollout of new Australian
diagnostic guidelines and services management strategy.

"It's hoped these recommendations will not only lead to a better
awareness and diagnosis of FASD but also better monitoring and
better collection of data" said Professor Bower.

"This work has already been started by researchers, with the
Telethon Institute and University of Sydney working
together to develop a method of diagnosing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum
Disorder in Australia.

"If we can tie in our existing work and the recommendations of
the Inquiry then we have the ability to really take giant steps
forward in the early diagnosis, management and intervention of this
serious disorder."

"Every one of the committee's recommendations is worthwhile and we
encourage their implementation. This Inquiry has clearly put this
issue into the national spotlight and we are hopeful it will
continue to be a health priority for this nation."